A correctly sized file can print too small because the viewer fits it to the printable area. Acrobat’s Actual size prints without scaling; Fit adapts it to the available area.
A simple check
Suppose a file contains an 85 × 55 mm card. Print on plain paper and measure it. If it is 80.75 × 52.25 mm, both sides are 95% of the intended size: 80.75 ÷ 85 = 0.95.
The same ratio applies to a 4 in test line that prints at 3.8 in. A geometric correction relative to that output is 100 ÷ 95 × 100 = 105.26%. First check automatic fitting: correcting a setting that changes with paper can introduce another error.
Before printing
- Select the document’s paper size: A4 and Letter are different.
- Check orientation.
- Select 100% scale or Actual size.
- Check additional driver scaling.
- Print a test and measure both sides.
Different scaling on each side cannot be fixed by one uniform percentage. Investigate deformation, input sizes and measurement before repeating a batch.
A missing edge
Actual size does not make a printer cover an unsupported area. A correctly sized piece may be clipped. Adjust margins or paper rather than shrinking everything without checking it.
The resolution tool includes a numerical scale check. It helps diagnose a measurement; it is not a physical calibration of your printer.
References and scope
The numerical examples are our own. Check a physical print on your own equipment.